ENGLISH
REFERENCE

work on sth

phr. v..
B1 Intermediate Oxford

phr. v.. to spend time and effort improving something or making it better.

phr. v.. to exert effort or perform tasks in order to develop, repair, or improve a specific object or project.


SIMPLE

I need to work on my English pronunciation.

CONTEXTUAL

The team is currently working on a new marketing strategy for the summer launch.

COMPLEX

While the engineers work on the structural integrity of the bridge, the architects are refining the aesthetic details of the pedestrian walkway.

Particles
on
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
work + on + object
Usage

the object is usually a task, a skill, or a project that requires development.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'work at' (which focuses on the location or employer) to show that 'work on' focuses on the specific goal or target of the effort.

Pitfall

I am working on to improve my car.I am working on my car.the preposition 'on' must be followed by a noun or a gerund, not an infinitive verb.

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